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Spontaneous movements in the first four months of life: An accelerometric study in moderate and late preterm infants

Carla-Sophie Bultmann1, Thorsten Orlikowsky2, Martin Häusler3

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation and Prevention Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074 Aachen, Germany.

Early Human Development
|January 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Accelerometry reveals distinct patterns in early motor development for moderate and late preterm infants. This study establishes a baseline for identifying neurodevelopmental impairments in these vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Movement Science

Background:

  • Moderate preterm infants (MPI) and late preterm infants (LPI) constitute the majority of preterm births.
  • Up to 5% of MPI and LPI may experience neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • Limited data exists on normal early motor development in these infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify characteristic patterns of early motor development in MPI and LPI.
  • To utilize accelerometry of spontaneous movements for this analysis.
  • To focus on infants without known risk factors for developmental impairment.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, observational study included 23 MPI and LPI without known risk factors.
  • Spontaneous movements were measured using accelerometry at hospital discharge and corrected age of three months.
  • Motor development was assessed via 36 parameters from acceleration signals, with neurodevelopmental outcome confirmed by Bayley Scales at two years.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in 26 out of 36 motor development parameters between measurements.
  • Key findings include increased acceleration and variability in spontaneous movements.
  • A significant increase in the regularity of spontaneous movements was also noted.

Conclusions:

  • Characteristic patterns of normal motor development in MPI and LPI can be identified.
  • These findings provide a foundation for early detection of abnormal motor development in this population.
  • Further research can leverage these patterns for targeted interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
AccelerometryLate preterm infantModerate preterm infantMotor developmentNeurodevelopmental outcomeSpontaneous movement

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